“It's not just about having someone to chat with,” said Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Carmel Roques. “It's about the transformative potential of community engagement in enhancing mental, physical, and emotional well-being.”
What can you do to connect?
- Invite more connection into your life by finding a new passion, joining a social club, taking a class, or trying new activities in your community.
- Stay engaged in your community by giving back through volunteering, working, teaching, or mentoring.
- Invest time with people to build new relationships and discover deeper connections with your family, friends, colleagues, or neighbors.
Local Older Americans Month 2024 Events
Anne Arundel County
Older Americans Month-Powered by ConnectionThursday, May 23, 2024
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Pip Moyer Recreation Center-Annapolis (273 Hilltop Ln, Annapolis, MD 21403)
This event will focus on the theme of connection through four major areas: Physical Connection, Social Connection, Mindfulness/Wellness Connection, and Mental Health Connection. Participants can look forward to Tai Chi, PickleBall demonstration and game, mental health activity, and "Speed Friending." Dignitaries and elected officials will make remarks, and the "Showstoppers," a group of performers made up of members from all eight Anne Arundel County Senior Activity Centers, will perform. There will also be a jazz ensemble playing music representative of different generations. Food will be provided through food trucks that will offer cultural meals from local vendors. Attendees will receive gift bags that will contain information and resources from all county service providers for older adults.
Baltimore City
Larks Performance & Luncheon
Friday, May 10, 2024
10:00 am - 11:00 am, followed by lunch
Hatton Center (2825 Fait Ave, Baltimore, 21224)
The Larks is a popular singing group among older adults in Baltimore City. Join us for a performance and lunch.
Pre-Mother's Day Dance
Thursday, May 10, 2024
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Zeta Center, (4501 Reisterstown Rd, Baltimore, 21215)
Get ready to celebrate Mother's Day in style with a special dance event for members of the senior center.
Senior Wellness & Empowerment SymposiumWednesday, May 15, 2024
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Oliver Senior Center, (1700 N Gay St. 21213)
Connect with experts and peers during a wellness expo for older adults.
National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day
Thursday, May 16, 2024
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, (1212 Cathedral St. Baltimore, Maryland 21201)
The Center for LGBTQ Health Equity and the ElderPride Council cordially invite you to join us as we celebrate National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day 2024. We will gather at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall for an evening of inspiration, community, and gratitude. Guests are invited to enjoy social connection and warm reunion during our opening reception, partake of a delicious locally produced sit-down dinner, and hear an inspiring group of LGBTQ community storytellers share the importance of a beloved elder who has been essential to their journey. As is our tradition, no one will be turned away because of financial barriers. Please contact us at lgbtq@chasebrexton.org to request support.
Caroline, Kent, & Talbot Counties (Upper Shore Aging)
"Powered by Connection" Ocean City, MD Beach Trip
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
9:00 am - 2:45 pm
Caroline Senior Center (403 S. 7th St. Suite 127 Denton MD 21629)
Celebrate Older Americans Month by signing up for a day at the beach to connect, relax, and socialize!
Jazz for JesusThursday, May 9, 2024
12:00pm
Brookletts Place -Talbot Senior Center
(400 Brookletts Ave, Easton, MD 21601)Carpe Diem - Carole DanceTuesday, May 14, 2024
12:00pm
Brookletts Place -Talbot Senior Center
(400 Brookletts Ave, Easton, MD 21601)Les Rayne Trio Music
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
12:00pm
Brookletts Place -Talbot Senior Center (400 Brookletts Ave, Easton, MD 21601)
Older Americans Month Celebration Open House
Thursday, May 30, 2024
11:00 am
Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center
(200 Schauber Rd. Chestertown MD 21620)
Carroll County
Caroline Cafe Breakfast Bar
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Caroline Senior Center (403 S. 7th St. Suite 127 Denton MD 21629)
Celebrate Older Americans Month with a breakfast bar with a variety of delicious and nutritious food options.
Health Screening Event
Thursday, May 2, 2024
10:45 am - 12:45 pm
Taneytown Senior and Community Center (220 Roberts Mill Rd Taneytown MD 21787)
Working in conjunction with the Carroll County Partnership for a healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital and Pivot Physical Therapy Senior Center, members will have access to free balance and cognitive screenings, as well as Diabetes Education and Stroke Awareness. A pharmacist will also be available to answer questions regarding medications.
Nutrition Bingo
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Westminster Senior and Community Center (125 Stoner Ave Westminster MD 21157)
Come plan bingo and win nutritious fruits and vegetables as prizes.
Spring Tea
Friday, May 17, 2024
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Westminster Senior and Community Center (125 Stoner Ave Westminster MD 21157)
Various teas and small sandwiches will be provided to senior center members.
Free Drive By Shredding and Medication Disposal
Free shredding services and medication disposal and education for older adults.Mt. Airy Senior Center
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
9:00 am - 11:00 am
703 Ridge Ave Mt. Airy MD 21771Taneytown Senior and Community Center
Thursday, May 16, 2024
9:00 am - 11:00 am
220 Roberts Mill Rd Taneytown MD 21787South Carroll Senior and Community Center
Monday, May 20, 2024
9:00 am - 11:00 am
5928 Mineral Hill Rd Eldersburg MD 21784North Carroll Senior and Community Center
Friday, May 24, 2024
9:00 am - 11:00 am
2328 Hanover Pike Hampstead MD 21074Westminster Senior and Community Center
Friday, May 31, 2024
9:00 am - 11:00 am
125 Stoner Ave, Westminster, MD 21157
Older Americans Day Luncheon
Enjoy a delicious lunch catered by a local restaurant and live entertainment!
Taneytown Senior and Community Center
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
220 Roberts Mill Rd Taneytown MD 21787
Westminster Senior and Community Center
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
125 Stoner Ave Westminster MD 21157
South Carroll Senior and Community Center
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
5928 Mineral Hill Rd Eldersburg MD 21784
Mt. Airy Senior and Community Center
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
703 Ridge Rd Mt. Airy 21771
North Carroll Senior and Community Center
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
2328 Hampstead Pike Hampstead MD 21074
Howard County
OAI Showcase: Creating Community. Cultivating Connections.Thursday, May 2, 2024
2:00 - 6:00 pm
East Columbia 50+ Center,
(6610 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045)The Showcase will kick off Older Americans Month on May 2nd, recognizing the impact meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. Coordinated by the Office on Aging and Independence (OAI), Susan Pinker, author of The Village Effect
, will address, “Why Social Contact Matters as We Age,” and discuss how face-to-face contact is crucial for learning, happiness, resilience, and longevity during her keynote speech. The Showcase also features art and fitness classes; interactive workshops; live music and entertainment; food demos and mocktails; and more than 30 onsite exhibitors. Admission is free. Registration is required only for the keynote address, as seating is limited. Register now on Eventbrite.Howard County, MD Virtual 50+ Employment ExpoThursday, May 30, 2024
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Virtual (Registration is complimentary @
https://howardexpo.accessjca.org/)
JOBSEEKERS: If you are 50+ and looking for employment opportunities, join us at the FREE Howard County Virtual 50+ Employment Expo sponsored by the Howard County Office on Aging & Independence and the Jewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington, D.C. This virtual employment expo will allow you to network, learn about subjects relevant to you during your job search, listen, and question area employers about their company and openings in the chat. Registration is required.
Kent County
Open House
Thursday, May 30, 2024
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Amy Lynn Ferris Adult Activity Center (200 Schauber Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620)
Information tables, short presentations by agencies explaining their available services, giveaways, door prizes, & a special lunch.
MAC Inc, The Living Well Center of Excellence
Stronger Memory Movie Premier
Monday, May 6, 2024
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
MAC Inc, Area Agency on Aging (909 Progress Cir, Salisbury, MD 21804)
Gull Creek Senior Living Game DayThursday, May 16, 2024
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
MAC Inc, Area Agency on Aging (909 Progress Cir, Salisbury, MD 21804)
Jim Morris - Travels with JimTuesday, May 21, 2024
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
MAC Inc, Area Agency on Aging (909 Progress Cir, Salisbury, MD 21804)
Montgomery County
Older Americans Month Celebration
Friday, May 24, 2024
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Longbranch Senior Center
(8700 Piney Branch Rd, Silver Spring, Maryland 20901)Montgomery County will be hosting a celebration in honor of Older Americans Month, featuring a variety of fun activities for older adults to enjoy.
Queen Anne’s County
Senior Summit
Friday, May 17, 2024
9:00 am -2:00 pm
QAC 4-H Park, Dulin Clark Rd., Centreville, MD 21617
The 19th Annual Senior Summit theme is the vibrant and iconic era of the 1960s. Attendees can look forward to immersing themselves in the nostalgia of the decade, with music provided by DJ Jennifer Cox. Highlights of the event include bingo sessions, classic cars display, exercise class demonstrations, exciting giveaways, hearing screenings, access to the Queen Anne’s County Mobile Library, raffle prizes, and a prescription roundup facilitated by the Office of the Sheriff. Attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in delicious food provided by the Tri-County Ruritan, including pulled chicken and fries for $9.00 or a cheeseburger and fries for $7.00 (cash only). Attendees can also explore various resources and services offered by vendors and organizations present at the Summit.
Washington County
Ladies Tea Party
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
2:00 pm
535 East Franklin Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
An afternoon of camaraderie and tea delights for participants to indulge in the warmth of friendship, delightful treats, and laughter as we host a Lady's Tea Party, celebrating the beauty of togetherness and cherished moments.
Osteoporosis Educational Series
Thursdays, May 2, 9, & 16, 2024
9:30 am
535 East Franklin Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
An informative and engaging series of presentations on osteoporosis, a critical health concern affecting millions worldwide. This series aims to raise awareness about osteoporosis, its prevention, management, and the importance of bone health in maintaining overall well-being. The presenter will be Lorraine O'Neill, a local physical therapist and Senior Center member.
Citibank Presentation on Fraud Prevention
Monday, May 13, 2024
2:00 pm
535 East Franklin Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
A forum coordinated by our Elder Abuse Victim Advocate in conjunction with Citibank's fraud division to share information and promote awareness of banking/financial exploitation and prevention among older adults.
New Horizons Band Spring Concert and Social
Friday, May 17, 2024
1:00 pm
535 East Franklin Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
A concert presented by the New Horizons Band, a local chapter of the international organization of New Horizon Bands and made up of older adults aged 50+.
How can community groups, businesses, and organizations celebrate Older Americans Month?
- Spread the word about the mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection through professional and personal networks.
- Encourage social media followers to share their thoughts and stories of connection using hashtag #PoweredByConnection to inspire and uplift.
- Promote opportunities to engage, like cultural activities, recreational programs, and interactive virtual events.
- Connect older adults with local services, such as counseling, that can help them overcome obstacles to meaningful relationships and access to support systems.
- Host connection-centric events or programs where older adults can serve as mentors to peers, younger adults, or youths.
